RMX compounds formed by alkaline earths, europium and ytterbium-I. Ternary phases with M ≡ Cu, Ag, Au; X ≡ Sb, Bi

19 intermetallic compounds with the general formula RMX (R ≡ Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb; M ≡ Cu, Ag, Au; X ≡ Sb, Bi) were synthesized and structurally studied by X-ray methods on powders and single crystals. The ternary phases crystallize in four ordered structural types: ZrBeSi, LiGaGe, TiNiSi and MgAgAs. Some comments are given on the parameters controlling the structure of these phases, and the volume effects are calculated.